By Alan Van Ormer
Tribune editor

This year’s Christmas at the Dells starts on Saturday morning and concludes on Sunday.
“This is a family event,” Lorretta Mattern said. “It is a great way for the community to get together and celebrate the holidays.”
In addition to the normal activities, a tree lighting ceremony could also be part of this year’s festivities.
“We haven’t had one in at least the last three years,” Mattern said. “It used to be an important part of the program. We would like to bring it back because of the tradition.”
Also, Chamber Bucks will be available at the Chamber of Commerce in $5 increments. The coupons are redeemable at participating businesses in Dell Rapids.
Shopping and activities at the museum kick off the festivities.
President of the Dell Rapids Society for Historic Preservation Teri Fiegen said there are many activities throughout the weekend that make Christmas in the Dells a great event.
“However, the museum attracts all ages and all groups. We have trees set up by many organizations that display their achievements throughout the year. Families come to hear the piano recitals.  Friends come to the tea and enjoy each other’s company,” she said. “Kids come to visit Santa after the parade. We display the Chamber gingerbread house contest. It’s about coming together as a community.
“I believe that when visitors come to the museum during this time they are amazed at the transformation that has taken over the museum,” she added. “We are still a museum, we have just spiced it up for the holidays. I hope they experience, wonderment, warmth, excitement, and the familiar feeling of being home.”
The Festival of Christmas activities start at 9 a.m. It includes a Christmas Tea, which will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be piano recitals from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children’s activities are being held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and there will be caricatures from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Santa Claus will be at the museum at 6:30 p.m. Then on Sunday, the museum will open at 10 a.m. There will be a silent auction from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The annual Christmas celebration also includes horse drawn wagon rides at the Rose Stone Inn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Gingerbread House contest starts at 1 p.m. Deadlines for those entries are today. The four judging categories are 2nd through 5th grade, 6th through 8th grade, 9th through 12th grade and adults. Winner of each category will receive $25 in Chamber Bucks. Judging will take place on Saturday afternoon.
At 1 p.m., there will be a free movie at the Dells Theatre. This year’s movie is entitled ‘Hotel for Dogs.’ At 3 p.m., the caricature drawings start. There will also be free bowling from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Dells Bowl. The Legion Auxiliary will serve a soup supper starting at 4 p.m. at the American Legion, which will run until 7 p.m.
Then the community will gear up for the annual Christmas at the Dells Parade. The local Girl Scout will provide caroling starting at 5:40 p.m., followed by the Mayor’s address at 5:55 p.m. to start the parade. The first float will go down Main Street at 6 p.m.
Mattern is hoping for a parade like last year that featured 21 entries.
The first day’s events will conclude with a Community Cantata at the Methodist Church at 7:30 p.m.
On Sunday, those who missed the Community Cantata the day before, have an opportunity to see it at 2 p.m. at the Methodist Church. Also on Sunday, starting at 5 p.m. there will be Christmas drinks and delectable’s featuring the Cartwright Brothers at the Dells Museum.